Hospitalized Adult Patient Characteristics Associated With Participation in a Volunteer-Assisted Mobility Program: A Feasibility Study. Issue 4 (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dermody, Gordana; Odom-Maryon, Tamara; Zimmerman, Jennifer; Glass, Courtney
• Is Part Of: Journal of nursing care quality. Volume 35:Issue 4(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: ambulation -- hospitalized patients -- mobility -- mobility program -- older adults -- volunteer-assisted mobility program -- volunteers; Nursing -- Standards -- Periodicals; Nursing audit -- Periodicals; Health facilities -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; Nurse administrators -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000460
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1057-3631

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Physical inactivity during hospitalization commonly results in functional decline. Structured multidisciplinary programs/approaches may be useful to promote mobility in hospitalized adults. Purpose: The purpose was to determine whether a volunteer-assisted mobility program was feasible to improve the ambulation of hospitalized patients, and examine the characteristics of patients associated with willingness to participate in the program. Methods: A prospective descriptive correlation study was conducted in 2 acute care units. A volunteer-staffed program was implemented with the aim of improving the ambulation of hospitalized patients. Results: Hospitalized patients (N = 490) were approached, with 39.2% (n = 192) agreeing to ambulate an average of 109.7 m (interquartile range = 51.45-172.2 m). Patients with a low clinical frailty score, high body mass index, or physical therapy order were more likely to participate in the volunteer-assisted mobility program. Conclusions: The findings suggest that a volunteer-assisted interdisciplinary program is a feasible way to promote the ambulation of some patients. Abstract : Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.